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Old 05-02-2019, 07:59 AM   #1
Ryan tan
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Question My hamster keeps scratching itself

My hamster seems to scratch itself a lot. Should I be alarmed? I've done some searching online and it says that it might be because of mites? Is there anything I can do? Or can someone tell me how much is too much?
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Old 05-02-2019, 08:14 AM   #2
Shannonmcn
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Default Re: My hamster keeps scratching itself

You'll know when it's too much if it starts affecting the quality or thickness of his fur, or if you see that the skin is irritated. Mites will also show up on their ears where it is easier to notice; the skin will look crusty or red or irritated.

They clean themselves a lot and will scratch at their scent glands on their sides as part of marking their territory so not all scratching is scratching, if you know what I mean.
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Old 05-02-2019, 04:04 PM   #3
Ryan tan
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Default Re: My hamster keeps scratching itself

Well I do not see any of his fur coming off anywhere also can you define irratated skin? I've also seen this being said on other places but they never explained what it is. Is it something I can tell by looking at his fur? Or maybe I need to look at his skin? Also I'm not sure if this is important but he's a dwarf hamster
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Old 05-02-2019, 04:31 PM   #4
Pebbles82
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Default Re: My hamster keeps scratching itself

He looked fine on the photos on your other thread. They do scratch a lot as part of normal grooming. If he had mites he'd probably have scratched himself sore and you'd see sore patches - especially behind the ears. I wouldn't worry too much about scratching if he doesn't have sores.
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Old 05-03-2019, 12:06 AM   #5
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Default Re: My hamster keeps scratching itself

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ryan tan View Post
Well I do not see any of his fur coming off anywhere also can you define irratated skin? I've also seen this being said on other places but they never explained what it is. Is it something I can tell by looking at his fur? Or maybe I need to look at his skin? Also I'm not sure if this is important but he's a dwarf hamster
Usually irritated is just used to mean it's redder than normal or the texture is different. It's a very general term.

Look for redness, or dry skin patches, skin being flaky or even sometimes small cuts from scratching too hard. Like Serendipity said, the ears will usually show signs first. If his fur isn't getting thin in patches the skin underneath it is probably fine.
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Old 05-03-2019, 12:56 AM   #6
Ryan tan
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Default Re: My hamster keeps scratching itself

He seems to scratch himself with his feet and then he puts his mouth on said feet (seems to be licking it) is that normal? Also there's this area around his anus that is hairless I'm not sure if it's getting worse or not if you don't mind could I send you a photo so that you can check it out?
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Old 05-03-2019, 03:15 AM   #7
Pebbles82
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Default Re: My hamster keeps scratching itself

That just sounds like normal grooming They are quite clean little things and wash themselves all the time by licking their feet and then using their feet to clean their fur - it looks like scratching. Sometimes it is scratching and sometimes it is cleaning. But sounds quite normal. I have seen the photo on your other thread. He does look a bit bald at the back area, but it seems to be fur loss and not sore.
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Old 05-03-2019, 08:46 AM   #8
mangoandmimi
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Default Re: My hamster keeps scratching itself

Can you get a clear pic of the fur loss? From the pic in the other thread the fur looked fine. A better pic would probably help ease your mind although it does sound normal so far. Mites won't always show as sore areas, similar situation recently with my own ham who just had a couple patches of hair loss with no redness/irritation.
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Old 05-03-2019, 08:50 AM   #9
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Default Re: My hamster keeps scratching itself

I agree that based on the photos in the other thread, he looks fine. Its normal for male hams to have pinker skin and thinner fur around genitals
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Old 05-04-2019, 09:58 AM   #10
Ryan tan
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Default Re: My hamster keeps scratching itself

Hello again I have a question regarding the grooming of my hamster. I thought I'd ask it here because I figured you guys might know about it since you guys know stuff about thier fur and skin. The question is how often should I shower or bathe my hamster and also how often should I let him play in a sand bath (or is it not necessary?)
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